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Despite strong start, Happ looks headed for Minors

3/10/13: J.A. Happ chats with the Toronto broadcast team about his performance and how keeping the ball down in the zone is key for him

By Gregor Chisholm
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MLB.com |

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- J.A. Happ has yet to sit down with the Blue Jays to go over his uncertain future, but he expects the conversation to take place in the near future.

Happ told reporters earlier this week that he wanted to talk with general manager Alex Anthopoulos about his role in the organization.

The meeting could be expanded to include the Blue Jays' coaching staff and perhaps even Happ's agent, but there is no immediate timeframe for when it would occur.

"It seems like we're kind of getting down to it," said Happ, who added he would probably initiate the discussion. "I don't know, we'll see."

Happ expressed some discontent about his role in Toronto earlier this week. Despite a strong spring, Happ is not in contention for a job in the starting rotation and is expected to begin the year at Triple-A Buffalo.

That will be a hard development for the six-year veteran to take. When asked earlier in the week if he would prefer starting in Buffalo or pitching out of the bullpen in Toronto he responded: "I'm a Major League starting pitcher."

Happ did not back down from those statements Saturday but did add that he was not trying to cause any trouble inside the clubhouse.

"I was asked directly am I frustrated, and I responded yes," Happ said. "I didn't feel like I was visibly frustrated. That wasn't my point, I was just trying to talk about the outing. I was answering some questions honestly.

"I'm trying to keep the positivity going and not trying to cause a big deal here. It is what it is. That stuff will be handled in private, I hope."

It is only Spring Training, but Happ has looked impressive early on. He has allowed just four runs on 17 hits while striking out 11 and walking just one in 13 innings of work.

The 30-year-old is currently considered a key part of the organization's pitching depth but likely considers himself overqualified for the Minors. He has a 4.19 ERA in 116 games and has been a mainstay in the big leagues since 2009.